Former Alabama star defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick has made quite a name for himself in his two seasons in the NFL. While he is now mentioned among elite safeties across the league, his journey started with a rough patch on a team that was unsure how to utilize his versatility.
After being drafted No. 11 overall in the 2018 NFL draft by the Miami Dolphins, Fitzpatrick became a key piece to the franchise’s secondary. Starting in 11 games, appearing in all 16, 80 total tackles, nine pass deflections, two interceptions and one defensive touchdown.
Solid numbers for a rookie, but the Alabama product was not happy.
While being coached by Nick Saban, Fitzpatrick was moved around. Having been taught to play numerous defensive positions, he became somewhat of a secondary ‘Swiss-Army knife.’ However, he believed a transition into professional football would also come with a set position.
The Dolphins placed Fitzpatrick at safety or as a cornerback in various capacities.
He asked for a trade early in his second season with Miami. A request granted by the Dolphins front office, as he was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers before Week 3.
In an interview with Bleacher Report’s Tyler Dunne, Fitzpatrick opened up about his time with the South Florida franchise.
He talks about his trust in then first-year head coach for the Dolphins, Brian Flores, and following the coaches lead.
“Even though they have me in the wrong spot and other players know they have me in the wrong spot,” Fitzpatrick says. “Even though I disagree with the coaches. I’m still going to follow their lead.”
The Dolphins had Fitzpatrick practicing at different positions, oftentimes the drills did not align with who he was as a player.
“It was messing up my skill set,” Fitzpatrick says. “I was working the hand-fighting drills against the tight ends and working on hitting the bags and stuff like that. That’s fine and dandy, but that wasn’t my skill set.”
On top of being misplaced, the young star was frustrated with the team’s culture. In a time where fans were claiming the team was ‘tanking for Tua,’ there were a lot of departures from the team and last minute signings.
“It was my first time ever seeing them,” Fitzpatrick says. “I didn’t even know half their names while I’m out there on the field with them. In the middle of the game! I’m trying to communicate with somebody, and he’s looking at me like I have no clue what I’m talking about.
Fitzpatrick is heading into year No. 3 in the NFL and is about to begin what should be his first full season with the Steelers.